Photo courtesy of the author's press kit
Janet Sumner Johnson
State: Utah
Janet Sumner Johnson is the author of both middle grade novels and picture books, including The Winterton Deception 1: Final Word, and Help Wanted: Must Love Books which was the winner of the 2021 CLEL BELL Read Award and was nominated for the Children’s Choice Book Awards in Colorado and Washington. She lives in northern Utah with her husband, three kids, and a dog. Her amazing talents include wiggling her ears and replacing the roll of toilet paper the right way (over the top). You can learn more about her and her books at www.janetsumnerjohnson.com.
Genres: Contemporary, Humor
Audiences: Middle Grade
Books by Janet Sumner Johnson
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The Winterton Deception series
Genre: Mystery
Audience: Middle Grade
The Winterton Deception is a sharp, twisty middle grade mystery series packed with puzzles, secrets, and unexpected family drama. When thirteen-year-old twins Hope and Gordon Smith discover they’re related to a wealthy, eccentric family of dictionary tycoons, they’re thrown into a high-stakes spelling bee—one that turns into a full-blown clue hunt with a fortune on the line. From hidden codes to mysterious disappearances, each book uncovers deeper secrets and challenges what it means to be part of a family.
Perfect for fans of Knives Out, The Westing Game, and The Inheritance Games, this series delivers clever twists, fast-paced suspense, and heart beneath all the mystery.
Not My Circus
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Children's
Not My Circus is a laugh-out-loud picture book about creativity, chaos, and standing your ground. When Olivia sets out to buy eggs and comes home with an entire circus—complete with untrained animals and snack-stealing monkeys—her life turns topsy-turvy. But despite the mess (and missing groceries), Olivia is determined to keep her new friends… even when the circus ringmaster wants them back.
With lively illustrations and a bold, imaginative heroine, this story is a delightful celebration of unexpected adventures and the power of saying, "Yes, actually—it is my circus."
A Bad Case of the Almosts
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Children's
A Bad Case of the Almosts is an uplifting picture book about overcoming disappointment and embracing a growth mindset. Abby is tired of falling just short—she's almost tall enough, almost the best, and almost first in line. Why bother trying when the "almosts" keep getting in the way? But as Abby learns to reframe her perspective, she discovers that "almost" is actually a step toward greatness.
With heartfelt text and an empowering message, this story encourages young readers to see progress, not perfection, and to keep going—even when they’re not quite there yet.
Braver Than Brave
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Children's
Braver Than Brave is a heartwarming and humorous picture book about discovering your own version of courage. Wanda wants to be brave like her older brother Zane, especially when the terrifying Coaster of Doom opens at the local amusement park. But when the moment of truth arrives, Wanda realizes that bravery doesn’t look the same for everyone—and that true courage comes from making choices that feel right for you.
With playful illustrations and an empowering message, this story celebrates self-awareness, confidence, and the many forms bravery can take.
Help Wanted, Must Love Books
Genre: Picture Book
Audience: Children's
elp Wanted, Must Love Books is a clever and heartwarming picture book about change, imagination, and the magic of reading together. When Shailey’s beloved bedtime story routine is disrupted by her dad’s new job, she takes matters into her own hands—by firing him and holding interviews for a new bedtime reader. But when fairy tale favorites like Sleeping Beauty, the Gingerbread Man, and Snow White prove less than perfect, Shailey begins to wonder if anyone can truly take her dad’s place.
Blending laugh-out-loud moments with a touching message about family and flexibility, this story is a fun celebration of books, bonding, and bedtime.
The Recess Genius series
Genre: Contemporary
Audience: Early Reader
The Recess Genius series introduces Regina Grey, an unassuming book lover turned pint-sized playground problem solver. When her knack for fixing kid-sized dilemmas—like brother trouble, talent show flops, and even gum disasters—gains attention, Regina becomes the go-to genius during recess. Setting up shop on top of the jungle gym, she helps classmates one clever solution at a time… but soon learns that even problem-solvers need to make time for themselves too.
With humor, heart, and a celebration of creativity and brains over brawn, this series champions out-of-the-box thinking and the quiet confidence of a girl who finds her voice through helping others.
The Last Great Adventure of the PB & J Society
Genre: Contemporary
Audience: Middle Grade
The Last Great Adventure of the PB & J Society is a heartfelt and humorous middle grade novel about friendship, loyalty, and the lengths one girl will go to save her best friend’s home. When Annie learns that Jason’s family is facing foreclosure, she hatches wild plans to keep them from moving—including tracking down a legendary pirate treasure that might be buried in his backyard. But as pressures mount and not every plan works out the way Annie hopes, she begins to realize that some things—like true friendship—matter more than any buried gold.
Full of mischief, heart, and real-world challenges, this story balances adventure with emotional depth in a way young readers will find both fun and meaningful.